Mounting device for controlling uplift of a metal roof

Abstract

A clamp for controlling uplift of panels of a metal roof is provided where the clamp secures two adjacent panels together. In some embodiments, the clamp has a slot configured to receive a roof joint between adjacent panels, and the clamp has at least one arm that secures the roof joint within the clamp and prevents the clamp from being pulled off of the roof joint. In addition, the clamp may have a channel and at least one protrusion that locate the roof joint within the clamp in a predetermined position to ensure that a bar component such as a bolt or a set screw can secure the roof joint within the clamp. Moreover, further features and arrangements of features can better position the clamp over a center of the roof joint.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for controlling uplift of a metal roof and, more specifically, to a clamp positionable on and securable to a roof joint between two panels of a metal roof to support and maintain the integrity of the roof joint.

BACKGROUND

Metal roofs can be formed by connecting multiple panels together where the edges of adjacent metal panels are interconnected in a manner that defines a roof joint or a standing seam. In some configurations, the edges are folded one or more times to form the standing seam. However, this type of roof is susceptible to uplift and tearing of the panels due to external forces such as wind. During particularly windy conditions, panels can detach or tear from the roof and injure passers-by or damage property. Moreover, the standing seam between two metal panels can unravel and separate. With the increased use of metal roofs in building construction, there is an increased need to control the uplift of such panels in these types of roofs and to prevent unravelling and separation of standing seams.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,340 (“the '340 Patent”), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a device for increasing uplift resistance of metal standing seam roofs. The device disclosed in the '340 Patent includes a first elongate part having a head, a longitudinal recess beneath the head, a foot extending below the recess and a hole laterally extending therethrough, a second elongate part having a hole laterally extending therethrough and a mating surface opposing the recess and mating surface of the first elongate part, and a fastener for drawing the first and second elongate parts together, to confine the roof seam in the recess. However, securing the device of the '340 Patent to raised portions and standing seams on a roof is time consuming as the first and second elongate parts must both be positioned about the raised seam such that the holes extending laterally through the first and second elongate parts are aligned. Once aligned, the fastener may be inserted through the holes in order to draw the first and second elongate parts together to confine the raised portion within the recess of the first elongate part. In this regard, assembling a number of the devices of the '340 Patent on a metal roof is a time and labor-intensive task, which results in increased costs. In addition, the fastener is a single, potential point of failure for the device, and the raised portion of the roof is simply confined in the device, such that the device can be pulled off of the raised portion or rattled loose from the raised portion more easily.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 97,316; 106,580; 250,580; 756,884; 42,992; 459,876; 602,983; 4,141,182; 5,152,107; and 5,715,640 (“the '640 Patent”), which are incorporated by reference in their entireties, generally disclose snow guards for retaining snow and ice, brackets and braces for mounting other components, and clamps for securing roof panels together. There are a number of problems associated with the snow guard devices described above. Such devices may cause the roof to leak since many of the devices described above are attached to the roof by a screw, nail, or other fastener which pierces the roofing surface. Piercing the roof can lead to undesired leakage due to inadequate sealing or shearing of the fastener by the forces exerted thereon by sliding snow and/or ice. In an attempt to prevent leakage, sealants, and/or gaskets are often applied around the holes pierced through the roofing surface. However, these measures complicate installation and may not fully prevent leaks. Alternative methods for the attachment of snow guard devices to roofs, such as adhesive bonding, may fail to provide secure attachment and/or may be difficult to install on a sloped surface, particularly where the device is applied to a smooth, non-porous roofing material such as metal. The types of snow guard devices are also generally not readily adaptable for use in a broad range of raised seam roofing applications. Some of the devices described above are not intended for standing seam roofing applications at all but, rather, are primarily for use on shingled or other non-raised seam roofs.

Next, the '640 Patent describes a clamp that secures two metal roof panels together to control uplift. The clamp described in the '640 Patent has a simple channel or slot for receiving a roof joint, which makes the clamp in the '640 Patent vulnerable to being pulled off from the roof joint by an external force or jostled loose. Moreover, the simple channel or slot does not locate a clamp in a particular position relative to the roof joint. As a result, a misaligned clamp can damage the roof joint or be easily pulled off of or jostled from the roof. In addition, a component such as a bracket that spans multiple clamps can be rendered inoperative due to having one or more clamps misaligned relative to the roof.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a clamp that has features such as arms, a channel, and a protrusion to better secure and locate a roof joint within a slot of the clamp. A roof joint between two panels can be a seamed joint that is folded upon itself at least once. As a result, the roof joint extends laterally or horizontally over one of the panels. The roof joint can be positioned in the slot of the clamp and then pressed into the channel of the clamp. The channel defines one or more protrusions that secure the roof joint in a predetermined position relative to the clamp. Once in the predetermined position, a bar component (such as a set screw or seam fastener) can secure the roof joint in the clamp, and the clamped roof joint helps the roof resist uplift. The clamp is configured to be simple to manufacture to reduce costs. In some embodiments, the clamp has a one-piece, unitary body.

According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a third arm of the clamp extends into a slot in the clamp to retain a roof joint within the clamp in a vertical direction. The slot extends vertically between a first arm and a second arm of the clamp, and the third arm extends generally horizontally from one of the first and second arms and into the slot. During operation, the roof joint is positioned in the slot and then over the third arm. More specifically, a bottom or lower portion of the roof joint is positioned above a distal or free end of the third arm. A bar component can extend into the slot into engagement with a sidewall of the roof joint. As the bar component is advanced against the sidewall, the roof joint is pressed above the third arm. In this manner, the bar component keeps the roof joint over the third arm, and thus, the third arm prevents the clamp from being pulled off of the roof joint in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the clamp maintains and provides support to the mechanical fold of the roof joint to improve the durability of the standing seam roof.

According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a clamp is provided with at least one protrusion that retains and locates a roof joint in a specific position relative to the clamp. A channel can extend into one or more arms of the clamp to define an upper or a first protrusion and a lower or a second protrusion. The first protrusion can secure a top end of the roof joint to prevent vertical movement of the roof joint relative to the clamp. In one configuration, the first protrusion engages at lateral portion of a seam defining the roof joint. Additionally, or alternatively, the first protrusion may engage the top end of the roof joint. Similarly, the lower or second protrusion can secure a lower end of the roof joint to prevent horizontal movement of the clamp relative to the roof joint. For example, in one configuration the second protrusion can extend at least partially between the lower end of the roof joint and a vertical portion of a metal panel of the roof joint. The relationship between the ends of the roof joint and the protrusions also holds or locates the clamp and the roof joint relative to each other to ensure that the bar component secures the roof joint within or against the clamp consistently and properly.

According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, an aperture and a cavity are provided in the clamp where a bar component extending through the aperture can deform part of a roof joint into the cavity. In various embodiments, the aperture extends through one arm of the clamp and a cavity extends into an inner surface of another arm of the clamp. When the roof joint is positioned in the channel and secured by at least one protrusion, a bar component (such as a set screw or a bolt) can extend through the aperture in one arm and contact and/or deform the roof joint at least partially into the cavity to secure the clamp to the roof joint. Optionally, the clamp may have only one aperture to receive the bar component.

According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a second arm of a clamp has a greater thickness than a first arm to better center the clamp over a roof joint. The bar component extends through the first arm and drives the roof joint against an inner surface of the second arm. With the thickness of the second arm greater than the thickness of the opposing, first arm, the roof joint is closer to the center of the clamp (or a center of the slot of the clamp) than if the second arm had the same thickness as the first arm, in which case the roof joint would be further off center. When the clamp is centered over the roof joint, the weight of the clamp is also centered on the roof joint which may improve the ability of the clamp to resist force received from wind without inadvertent or unintended movement. Further, the roof joint will be closer to the first arm when the roof joint is approximately centered in the slot compared to a distance between the first arm and the roof joint if the roof joint is not centered in the slot. Because the roof joint is closer to the first arm, the distance that the bar component must be advanced through the aperture of the first arm to engage a sidewall of the roof joint is reduced. Accordingly, the bar component can have a length that is shorter compared to if the clamp is not configured to center the roof joint in the slot. This configuration may beneficially prevent unintended or inadvertent movement of the clamp relative to the roof joint, such as tipping of the clamp. Moreover, because the roof joint is closer to the first arm, the portion of the bar component extending from the first arm into the slot to contact the roof joint is decreased. This is beneficial as it reduces the likelihood that the portion of the bar component extending from the first arm will bend, fracture or break.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a clamp system to support a roof joint formed by a first panel joined to a second panel, comprising: a clamp having a body with a first arm and a second arm; a slot extending into the body between a first inner surface of the first arm and a second inner surface of the second arm; a channel extending into the second inner surface of the second arm, the channel being offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance, the channel configured to receive at least a portion of the roof joint; an aperture extending through the first arm; and a bar component that extends through the aperture and into engagement with the roof joint to secure the clamp to the first and second panels. In some embodiments, the first panel and the second panel are joined together at seamed portions to form the roof joint.

Optionally, the bar component can be self tapping. Accordingly, the aperture extending through the first arm may initially be unthreaded prior to first advancing the bar component through the aperture. The unthreaded aperture reduces operations required to manufacture the clamp and beneficially reduces the cost of producing the clamp.

Alternatively, in various embodiments, the aperture has a threaded inner surface, and the bar component has a threaded outer surface that engages the threaded inner surface of the aperture. Optionally, the bar component can be a set screw or a seam fastener.

In one configuration, the bar component has a rounded or a blunt-nosed distal end to provide a desirable interface with a generally vertical sidewall of the roof joint. In this manner, the bar component will not penetrate the roof joint or the first and second panels. Moreover, the rounded distal end may prevent scratching the roof joint or damaging a coating on the roof joint.

In some embodiments, the bar component deforms the roof joint to secure the clamp to the first and second panels. More specifically, as the bar component is advanced through the aperture into engagement with the sidewall of the roof joint, an opposing side of the roof joint may be pressed into the channel. In some configurations, the roof joint is squeezed into a narrower configuration and/or bent due to the compressive force applied by the bar component and the second inner surface of the second arm.

In various embodiments, the system further comprises a third arm extending from the free end of the second arm into the slot and generally toward the first arm. Optionally, the channel extends into a third inner surface of the third arm.

In some embodiments, the channel defines a first protrusion on the second arm. The first protrusion has a geometry to engage a portion of the roof joint. In one configuration, the first protrusion may engage a sidewall of the roof joint. Additionally, or alternatively, the first protrusion may be positioned proximate to and engage a top end of the roof joint.

The channel may optionally define a second protrusion on the third arm. The second protrusion is configured to retain a bottom portion of the roof joint. For example, the second protrusion may extend between the bottom portion of the roof joint and a vertical portion of the second panel of the roof joint. In this manner, the bottom portion of the roof joint may be positioned proximate to the third inner surface of the third arm and between the second protrusion and the second inner surface of the second arm.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as X1-Xn, Y1-Ym, and Z1-Zo, the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X1 and X2) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y1 and Zo).

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, ratios, ranges, and so forth used in the disclosure and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” or “approximately”. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, ratios, ranges, and so forth used in the disclosure and claims may be increased or decreased by approximately 5% to achieve satisfactory results. In addition, all ranges described herein may be reduced to any subrange or portion of the range.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamp according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the clamp in FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a further cross-sectional elevation view of the clamp in FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an end elevation view of a clamp of FIG. 1 relative to a roof joint formed by two roof panels, and a bar component according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a first side elevation view of the clamp in FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the clamp in FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a further end elevation view of a clamp, roof panels, and a bar component according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is another end view showing the clamp proximate to a roof joint of another embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is still another end view of the clamp of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. As will be appreciated, other embodiments are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. For example, it is contemplated that various features and devices shown and/or described with respect to one embodiment or figure may be combined with or substituted for features or devices of other embodiments or figures regardless of whether or not such a combination or substitution is specifically shown or described herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Further, the present disclosure may use examples to illustrate one or more aspects thereof. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the use or listing of one or more examples (which may be denoted by “for example,” “by way of example,” “e.g.,” “such as,” or similar language) is not intended to and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The use of “mounting device” and “clamp” can be interchangeable herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a clamp 10 is provided. The clamp 10 in this embodiment has a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 that extend downwardly from a top portion 66 of the clamp body 11. The clamp 10 can be described as having arms 12, 14 that are joined together, or alternatively, as having a top portion 66 that joins the arms 12, 14 together. Optionally, the top portion 66 is generally planar. However, in other embodiments, the top portion 66 may be rounded or curved.

A slot 16 extends upwardly into the clamp 10, and the slot 16 is generally positioned between a first inner surface 18 of the first arm 12 and a second inner surface 20 of the second arm 14. The slot 16 includes an upper portion or slot base 17 that joins the first and second inner surfaces. In one configuration the slot base 17 has a curved or arcuate shape. For example, the slot base 17 may be curved as generally illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the slot base 17 has a first radius of curvature of about 0.18 inches proximate to the first inner surface 18. Similarly, the slot base can have a second radius of curvature proximate to the second inner surface 20 of about 0.18 inches. However, other shapes of the slot base 17 are contemplated. In another configuration, the slot base may be generally linear such that a corner is formed between the slot base and one or more of the first and second inner surfaces 18, 20.

As generally shown in FIG. 1 and other figures herein, in some configurations the slot 16 extends completely along a length of the clamp 10 from a first end 68 to a second end 70 of the clamp. The length dimension of the slot 16 coincides with the spacing between the ends 68, 70 of the clamp and is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 49. When the slot 16 extends through both clamp ends 68, 70, the clamp 10 and the slot 16 can be positioned at any point along a roof joint 56. However, it will be appreciated that, for example, the slot 16 can extend only partially through the clamp from a first end 68 but not entirely through the clamp 10 to a second end 70. In this embodiment, the clamp 10 and the slot 16 may be secured onto an end of a roof joint where the roof joint extends into an open end of the slot 16, moves horizontally within the slot 16, and then contacts an opposing closed end of the slot 16.

Further, the slot 16 is shown as having a constant cross-sectional shape from the first end 68 to the opposing second end 70. It will be appreciated that the slot 16 can have a varying or disjointed shape as the slot 16 extends from one end 68 to the opposing end 70.

The clamp 10 may optionally include a third arm 22 such as generally shown in FIG. 1. The third arm 22 may extend from a distal or free end 15 of the second arm 14 into the slot 16 and generally toward the first arm 12. More specifically, the third arm 22 extends at least generally in the direction that the second inner surface 20 of the second arm is spaced from the first inner surface 18 of the first arm. The third arm 22 also has a third inner surface 24.

In some embodiments, the third arm 22 extends from the second arm 14 at a point between the free end 15 and the base 17 of the slot 16. As described elsewhere herein, some embodiments of clamps 10 of the present disclosure may not have a third arm 22 at all. The third arm 22, as described in further detail below, can help secure a roof joint 56 within the slot 16. The third arm 22 can also provide an increased area of contact with one of the panels of the roof to resist movement of the clamp 10 relative to the roof.

Optionally, the third arm extends a distance from the second inner surface 20 of the second arm in a horizontal direction 50 which defines a length of the third arm. The length of the third arm may be at least about 0.14″, or between about 0.05″ and about 0.4″. As may be appreciated, in some embodiments, the length of the third arm 22 affects the amount of surface area of the third arm 22 in contact with a surface of the roof, with a greater length providing increased surface area and greater resistance to relative movement between the clamp 10 and the roof.

Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional elevation view of the clamp 10 in FIG. 1 is provided. In this view, an aperture 26 which extends through the first arm 12 is generally illustrated. Although the aperture 26 is illustrated with an internal thread, in other configurations the aperture is unthreaded to reduce manufacturing costs. A cavity 28 that extends into the inner surface 20 of the second arm 14 is also shown. In operation, when a roof joint 56 is positioned in the slot 16, a bar component 62, such as a set screw or a bolt illustrated in FIG. 4, can extend through the aperture 26 and into the slot 16 to secure the roof joint with the clamp 10. Specifically, the bar component can extend into the slot 16 to a point where a distal end 64 of the bar component is a predetermined distance from the first inner surface 18 and engaged with the roof joint 56 to prevent the roof joint from being removed from the slot 16 of the clamp 10. The bar component extends into the slot 16 far enough to where the roof joint cannot pass the third arm 22 and move out of the slot 16. In some embodiment, the distal end 64 of the bar component 62 can engage a side surface 52B of the roof joint 56. For example, the bar component 62 may apply a force to the side surface 52B. However, the bar component 62 does not penetrate the roof joint 56 or either of the roof panels 52, 54. The is beneficial because a fastener or a bolt that penetrates a surface of the roof, such as one or more of the roof panels 52, 54, can cause leaks, corrosion of the material of the roof panels, and may void a warranty of the roof provided by the roof's manufacturer.

Similarly, the bar component 62 can extend into the slot 16 to contact the vertical portion 52B or sidewall 57 of the roof joint 56 and prevent the roof joint from being removed from the slot 16 of the clamp 10. Friction between the bar component and the roof joint can prevent or resist the clamp 10 from moving horizontally along the roof joint. A force from the bar component 62 may also alter the shape of (or deform) the roof joint 56. For example, the bar component may compress the roof joint improving the strength of the roof joint.

Further still, the bar component 62 can contact a generally planar portion of the vertical portion 52B of the roof joint 56 and deform at least a portion of the roof joint, including pressing part of the roof joint into the cavity 28. In this manner, the bar component and cavity interact to more securely hold the roof joint within the slot 16 of the clamp 10 and prevent vertical and horizontal movement of the clamp 10 relative to the roof joint. Specifically, with a portion of the roof joint 56 deformed into the cavity 28 of the clamp 10, the clamp 10 cannot be pulled off of the roof joint in the vertical direction 48. Moreover, the clamp 10 cannot slide along the length of the roof joint in the longitudinal direction 49.

The clamp 10 may also include a channel 30. The channel 30 extends into the second inner surface 20 of the second arm 14 by a first distance 32 and extends into the third arm 22 by a second distance 34. The channel 30 is offset from the slot base 17 to define a first protrusion 36 of the clamp on the second arm 14. Optionally, upper and lower ends of the first protrusion 36 have a curved or rounded shaped to avoid scratching a coating of the roof joint or otherwise damaging the roof joint. In one configuration, the upper end of the first protrusion has a first radius of curvature between the slot base 17 and the first protrusion 36 of about 0.03 inches. The lower end of the first protrusion can have a second radius of curvature of about 0.03 inches between the first protrusion 36 and the second inner surface 20.

Additionally, or alternatively, the channel 30 can be offset from a free end 25 of the third arm 22 to define a second protrusion 38 of the clamp on the third arm 22. The second protrusion 38 extends at least generally in the direction that the third arm 22 is spaced from the top portion 66 of the clamp 10. More specifically, in one embodiment the second protrusion 38 extends generally in the vertical direction 48 within the slot 16 and toward the top portion 66.

These first and second protrusions 36, 38 may help retain the roof joint 56 within the slot 16. More specifically, the first protrusion 36 engages the top or upper portion 58 of the roof joint, while the second protrusion 38 engages and, in some embodiments, may even extend into or between the folded portions of the roof joint 56. In one embodiment, the second protrusion 38 may extend between the vertical portion 54B of the second roof panel 54 and the bottom end 60 of the roof joint as generally illustrated in FIG. 4.

The first distance 32 may correspond to the length of the third arm 22, with the first distance 32 increasing as the length of the third arm 22 increases. As shown, the first distance 32 is greater than the second distance 34, but it will be appreciated that the distances 32, 34 can be equal. Alternatively, the second distance 34 can be greater than the first distance 32. Further, some embodiments of the clamp 10 do not have a third arm 22, and the channel 30 extends into the second arm 14. In these embodiments, the channel 30 can be offset from both the free end 15 of the second arm 14 and the slot base 17 to define two protrusions in the second arm 14 that retain the roof joint 56 in the slot 16.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a further cross-sectional elevation view of the clamp 10 of FIG. 1 is provided. As shown, the aperture 26 extends through the first arm 12 along an axis 40. In one embodiment, the clamp 10 has only one aperture 26.

Optionally, the cavity 28 is generally centered on the axis 40 in one embodiment. Thus, a bar component 62 that extends through the aperture 26 is aligned with the cavity 28, and the bar component can deform part of the roof joint 56 into the cavity 28. The cavity 28 also extends into the second inner surface 20 of the second arm 14 where the channel 30 extends into the inner second surface of the second arm 14. Thus, the axis 40 can be described as extending through the channel 30. It will be appreciated that the aperture 26 and the cavity 28 may not be aligned on a common axis 40 in every embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the axis 40 is oriented approximately horizontally or generally parallel to the horizontal dimension 50. Accordingly, the aperture 26 is approximately perpendicular to an exterior surface of the first arm 12. In another configuration, the axis is approximately perpendicular to the first inner surface 18 and the second inner surface 20.

Alternatively, the axis 40 can be oriented obliquely to the horizontal dimension 50 For example, in one configuration, the axis 40 is not horizontal as it extends from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface.

Next, the thicknesses of the various arms are shown where the thicknesses are selected to better center the clamp 10 over an axis of a roof joint 56. Specifically, the first arm 12 has a first thickness 42, the second arm 14 has a second thickness 44, and the third arm 22 has a third thickness 46. In one embodiment, the second thickness 44 is larger than the first thickness 42. Optionally, the first thickness 42 may be larger than the third thickness 46. In one embodiment, the third thickness 46 is smaller than the first and second thicknesses 42, 44 to accommodate the length of a roof joint, as described in further detail below. In one embodiment, the first thickness 42 is between about 0.25 inches and about 0.29 inches. The second thickness may be between about 0.29 inches and about 0.41 inches. Optionally, the third thickness 46 is between about 0.14 inches and about 0.16 inches.

During operation, a bar component 62 pushes a roof joint 56 against the second arm 14, and therefore, with the second thickness 44 being larger than the first thickness 42, the clamp 10 is more centered over the axis 61 of the roof joint 56. For example, as generally illustrated in FIG. 4, an axis 61 of the roof joint 56 is relatively close to a central axis 76 of the clamp. The axis 61 of the roof joint extends between vertical portions 52B, 54B of two adjacent panels. In addition, the second thickness 44 in combination with the length of the third arm 22 can provide a larger surface that contacts a roof joint 56 to resist relative movement between the clamp 10 and the roof. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure can encompass different relative thicknesses 42, 44, 46.

The various features of the clamp 10 can be described relative to a vertical direction 48, a longitudinal direction 49 (shown in FIG. 1), and a horizontal direction 50. The directions 48, 49, 50 are orthogonal to each other. The first and second arms 12, 14 both extend downwardly in the vertical direction 48. In one embodiment, the arms 12, 14 are generally parallel to each other. Additionally, a first side 72 of the first arm 12 and a second side 74 of the second arm 14 can be approximately parallel to a plane defined by the vertical direction 48. The slot 16 extends upwardly in the vertical direction 48 between the arms 12, 14. A central axis 76 extends in the vertical direction 48 within the slot approximately half-way between the free end 25 of the third arm 22 and the first inner surface 18 of the first arm 12. The aperture 26, the cavity 28, the axis 40, and the third arm 22 extend at least generally in the horizontal direction 50. In one embodiment, the axis 40 is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction 50.

With these relative orientations, the third arm 22 holds the roof joint 56 within the slot 16 and prevents the clamp 10 from being pulled off of the roof joint. In addition, the channel 30 extends into the second arm 14 in the horizontal direction 50, and the channel 30 extends into the third arm 22 in the vertical direction 48. Therefore, when the roof joint 56 is positioned in the channel 30, the first and second protrusions 36, 38 defined by the channel 30 secure and locate the roof joint 56 in a predetermined position within the clamp 10. However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure encompass features extending in different directions to accomplish similar or the same functionality described herein. In addition, directions such as vertical and horizontal and relative relationships such as parallel and perpendicular can be “substantial” meaning a variance of less than 10 degrees. For instance, though two components can be described as perpendicular or substantially perpendicular, embodiments of the present disclosure can encompass the two components being oriented between 80 and 100 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 4, an end view of a clamp 10 positioned over a roof joint 56 is provided. A first roof panel 52 and a second roof panel 54 are joined together at a roof joint 56. In this embodiment, the roof joint 56 is formed by two ends of the roof panels 52, 54 folded or seamed together. As will be appreciate by one of skill in the art, the roof joint 56 may be referred to as a double-folded standing seam. The folded or seamed portion of the roof joint 56 extends to one side of the joint axis 61 over the second roof panel 54 and against a vertical portion 54B of the second roof panel. The roof joint 56 has a top end 58 and a bottom end 60. The bottom end 60 is spaced from a generally horizontal portion 54A of the second roof panel 54 to define a gap between the seamed portion and the generally horizontal portion 54A. In FIG. 4, the roof joint 56 is illustrated as generally oriented vertically (or approximately parallel to the vertical direction 48), but it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where the roof joint 56 is in other orientations, such as horizontal.

The slot 16 and channel 30 of the clamp 10 are sized to engage and secure roof joints 56 of a variety of profiles with various dimensions which are provided by different suppliers. In some embodiments, the inclusion of the channel 30 beneficially enables roof joints 56 with smaller profiles to be secured within the clamp 10 while still ensuring that the clamp 10 can accommodate roof joints 56 with larger profiles due to the larger slot 16. For example, the roof joint 56 shown in FIG. 4 has a height between the top end 58 and the bottom end 60 of approximately 0.5 inches. Larger roof joints 56 can be secured within the slot. In one configuration, the clamp 10 of the present disclosure can engage a roof joint 56 with a height between the top and bottom ends 58, 60 of between about 0.25 inches and about 1 inch. In another configuration, the clamp 10 of the present disclosure can engage a roof joint 56 with a height between the top and bottom ends 58, 60 of between about 0.4 inches and 0.8 inches. In another configuration, the clamp 10 of the present disclosure can engage a roof joint 56 with a height between the top and bottom ends 58, 60 of between about 0.5-0.75 inches.

With the roof joint 56 positioned in the slot 16 of the clamp 10, the roof joint 56 is positioned against the second arm 14 such that the first protrusion 36 on the second arm 14 secures the top end 58 against movement in the vertical direction. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the top end 58 may engage with the first protrusion 36. Additionally, or alternatively, a portion of the top end 58 can be pressed into the channel 30. Similarly, the second protrusion 38 on the third arm secures the bottom end 60 against movement in the horizontal direction. In one embodiment, the second protrusion 38 may extend at least partially between the bottom end 60 and the vertically oriented portion 54B of the second roof panel 54. Additionally, or alternatively, the third inner surface 24 of the third arm 22 may contact the bottom end 60 of the roof joint 56. Accordingly, the bottom end 60 may be proximate to (or in contact with) the third inner surface 24 and positioned between the vertically oriented portion 54B and the second inner surface 20.

The first and second protrusions 36, 38 also help locate the roof joint 56 in a predetermined position relative to the clamp 10 for when the bar component 62 extends through the aperture 26. In one embodiment, the bar component 62 can extend through the aperture 26 to contact and deform the roof joint 56 such that a portion of the roof joint 56 extends into the cavity 28. In one embodiment, when the clamp 10 is fixed to the roof joint 56 by the bar component 62, the clamp 10 is spaced from horizontal surfaces 52A, 54A of the first and second roof panels. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the arms 12, 14, 22 of the clamp 10 in FIG. 4 do not extend to the horizontal surfaces 52A, 54A of the first and second roof panels 52, 54. However, in some embodiments, the arms 12, 14, 22 may be sized to extend to these horizontal surfaces to stabilize the clamp 10 relative to the roof.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show further views of the clamp 10. FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a first side 72 of the clamp 10. The clamp body 11 has a length 104 extending between the first and second ends 68, 70. In one configuration, the length is between about 1 inch and about 2.5 inches. Optionally, the length 104 is between about 1.4 inch and about 1.6 inch, or about 1.5 inch.

In one configuration, a center of the aperture 26 through the first arm 12 is positioned on the first side 72 approximately equally distant from the first and second ends 68, 70. In one embodiment, the center of the aperture 26 is positioned between about 0.6 inch and 0.8 inch, or about 0.75 inch from the ends 68, 70.

Additionally, or alternatively, the aperture 26 can be positioned closer to the free end 13 of the first arm 12 than to the top portion 66 of the clamp body 11. In one configuration, the center of the aperture 26 is positioned between about 0.75 inch and about 0.81 inch, or about 0.78 inch from the top portion 66 of the clamp body.

The aperture 26 can be sized to receive a bar component 62 of any diameter or thread count. In one embodiment, the aperture has a diameter of ⅜ inch. Optionally, the aperture has a fine thread of 24 threads per inch. In one embodiment, the aperture includes a countersink of about 0.06 inch. Other dimensions and thread configurations of the aperture are contemplated.

The aperture 26 of the first arm 12 is generally aligned with the cavity 28 formed in the second arm 14. Optionally, the cavity 28 and the aperture 26 are aligned substantially coaxially. In one embodiment, the cavity 28 has a diameter of about 0.36 inch and a depth of between about 0.06 inch and about 0.1 inch.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the clamp 10 showing the first arm 12, the second arm 14, the third arm 22, and the cavity 16. Notably, in one embodiment, the first end 68 is approximately parallel to the second end 70. Optionally, the first side 72, the second side 74, the first inner surface 18, and the free end 25 of the third arm can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the first and second ends 68, 70.

In one embodiment, the first inner surface 18 is substantially planar. For instance, the first inner surface 18 is free of projections into the slot 16. In one embodiment, only one aperture 26 intersects or interrupts the first inner surface 18.

FIG. 7 is another end elevation view of a clamp 10 positioned on a roof joint 56 with a larger size in the vertical direction 48 than the roof joint 56 shown in FIG. 4. When a force is applied to the roof joint by a bar component 62, the first protrusion 36 can contact and apply a force to a portion of the roof joint 56, such as a sidewall 57 of the roof joint. FIG. 7 shows that even if the roof joint 56 is larger, the second protrusion 38 formed on the third arm 22 can still retain the bottom end 60 of the roof joint 56 to help secure and locate the clamp 10 relative to the roof joint 56. More specifically, the third arm 22 and the second protrusion 38 can be positioned between the bottom end 60 of the roof joint 56 and a horizontal portion 54A of the second roof panel 54. Moreover, when the bar component 62 contacts and/or deforms the roof joint 56 against the first protrusion 36 on the second arm 14, the first protrusion 36 can prevent vertical movement of the roof joint 56 relative to the clamp 10.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the clamp 10 is illustrated proximate to another roof joint 56. The roof joint has a larger vertical extent than the roof joints illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. However, the slot 16 has a vertical dimension sufficient for the bottom end 60 of the roof joint to fit over the second protrusion 38. Further, the uppermost portion of the slot base 17 is spaced a predetermined distance vertically from the second protrusion. The vertical separation of the slot base from the second protrusion facilitates movement of the top end 58 of the roof joint as the bottom end 60 is moved into position between the second protrusion and the second inner surface 20 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7. The curved or rounded shape of the slot base 17 also beneficially allows movement of the top end 58 of the roof joint within the slot 16. More specifically, the rounded shape of the slot base 17 permits movement of the slot base 17 relative to the top end 58 as the roof joint 56 is moved into position within the slot and proximate to the channel 30.

Referring now to FIG. 9, various exemplary dimensions of the clamp body 11 are described. More specifically, the first arm 12 has a first height 80 extending between the free end 13 and the top portion 66 of the body 11. The first height 80 may be from about 1 inch to about 1.3 inches.

Similarly, the second arm 14 has a second height 82 between the top portion 66 and the second arm free end 15. Optionally, the first height 80 is approximately equal to the second height 82. Alternatively, the first height 80 can be greater than the second height. In one configuration, the second height 82 is from about 1 inch to about 1.25 inches.

The slot 16 has a height 84 defined by the distance between the slot base 17 and the free end 15 of the second arm. In one configuration, the slot height 84 is between about 0.8 inches and about 1.1 inches.

The channel 30 also has a predetermined height 86 between a lower end of the first protrusion 36 and the third inner surface 24 of the third arm 22. In one configuration, the channel height 86 is from about 0.40 inches to about 0.60 inches.

The slot 16 has a minimum width 88 defined by the first inner surface 18 of the first arm 12 and the free end 25 of the third arm 22. Optionally, the minimum width 88 is from about 0.3 inches to about 0.4 inches, or about 0.34 inches.

Additionally, one or more of the exterior or interior edges of the clamp body 11 can be rounded to avoid scratching or damaging the roof panels 52, 54 or a roof joint 56. Optionally, a first surface 90 of the first arm 12 between the first side 72 of the body and the free end 13 of the first arm is rounded. Optionally, the first surface 90 has a radius of curvature of between about 0.12 inches and about 0.15 inches.

Similarly, a second surface 92 between the free end 13 and the first inner surface 18 may be rounded. In one configuration, the second surface 92 has a radius of curvature of between about 0.12 inches and about 0.15 inches.

In one configuration, a third surface 94 of the second arm 14 is rounded between the second side 74 of the body and the free end 15 of the second arm. The third surface 94 can optionally have a radius of curvature of between about 0.09 inches and about 0.11 inches.

Additionally, or alternatively, a fourth surface 96 between the second arm free end 15 and the free end 25 of the third arm 22 may be rounded or curved. In one configuration, the fourth surface 96 can optionally have a radius of curvature of between about 0.09 inches and about 0.11 inches.

Optionally, a fifth surface 98 between the first side 72 and the top portion 66 is curved. For instance, the fifth surface 98 may have a radius of curvature of between about 0.30 inches and about 0.32 inches.

In still another configuration, a sixth surface 100 between the second side 74 and the top portion 66 is curved. In one embodiment, the sixth surface 100 has a radius of curvature that is greater than the radius of curvature of the fifth surface. Optionally, the sixth surface 100 can have a radius of curvature of between about 0.35 inches and about 1.1 inches.

The clamp body 11 has a width 102 between the first side 72 and the second side 74. Optionally, the width 102 is between about 0.9 inch and about 1.3 inch.

The clamp 10 may be formed from materials such as various metals, ceramics or plastics based upon, for instance, the particular application. For example, the clamp 10 can be formed from aluminum which provides sufficient load-bearing capability and is also non-corrodible, thus enhancing durability and appearance. As can be appreciated, the aluminum can be anodized to further enhance the appearance of the roof assembly. Other metals for forming the clamp are stainless, zinc, copper or brass alloys. The clamp 10 may also be formed by a variety of methods or combinations of methods, one of which methods is extrusion.

The body 11 of the clamp 10 generally has a cross-section defined by a slot 16 which is configured to receive the roof joint 56 therein. The edges of the body may be chamfered or rounded (with the same or with different radii of curvature) if desired to reduce material requirements (and hence the cost of the clamp 10). Upper edges 98, 100 in particular may be rounded to enhance the appearance of the roof assembly (e.g., because rounded edges are less noticeable against, for example, a roof than are surfaces with sharp corners or edges). Rounded lower edges 90, 92, 94, and 96 prevent the clamp 10 from digging or cutting into the roof during installation and/or if and when wind causes a roof or portion thereof to flex upward and contact one or more of the edges 90, 92, 94, and 96.

In some embodiments, the rounded edges 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100 also reduce weight of the clamp body 11. This is beneficial because the reduced weight of the clamp body transfers less force to the roof and roof joint 56 reducing the potential to damage the roof when a plurality of clamps 10 are positioned on the roof. Additionally, reducing the weight of the clamp body 11 may beneficially reduce transportation costs associated moving clamps 10 to a work site. Another benefit of rounding at least the surfaces 98, 100 is that the surface areas of the first and second sides 72, 74 is reduced by a corresponding amount. Accordingly, the curved surfaces 98, 100 may streamline the clamp body 11 and reduce forces transferred to the clamp body 11 by wind, improving the ability of the clamp to resist inadvertent movement relative to a roof joint 56.

Optionally, the slot base 17 can be rounded or curved between one or more of the first inner surface 18 and the second inner surface 20. The rounded or curved shape of the slot base 17 may beneficially reduce the likelihood of damaging a top end 58 of a roof joint 56. For example, the rounded slot base 17 may increase the area of contact between the clamp body 11 and the roof joint 56.

In addition to avoiding damage to the roof joint 56, by rounding the slot base 17 may strengthen the clamp body 11 by reducing the concentration of stress between the intersection of first and second arms 12, 14 with the slot base 17. For example, if the arms 12, 14 inserted the slot base 17 at corner, or a right angle, stress in the body 11 may be concentrated at the corner. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, high local stress at a corner formed by the intersection of an arm and a slot base could cause the body of a clamp to fail more quickly compared to an embodiment of the clamp body with a rounded or arcuate slot base 17.

In some embodiments, the clamp may be manufactured as a single, integral piece. For example, the clamp 10 may be of one-piece construction. Additionally, the clamp 10 can be characterized as lacking any joints of any kind. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the clamp body 11 is configured so as to have no separable parts. However, the clamp 10 can include at least one threaded aperture 26 through the clamp body 1 to receive a bar component 62 (such as a set screw or threaded fastener) to secure the clamp 10 to a roof joint 56.

Optionally, the clamp body 11 of one embodiment of the present disclosure consists of only one aperture 26. More specifically, the clamp body 11 may be designed to receive only one bar component 62. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a clamp 10 of the present disclosure may consist of a clamp body 10 with one aperture 26 and only one bar component 62. In this manner, manufacturing costs are reduced as only the one aperture 26 is formed in the clamp body. The clamp body 11 with only one aperture 26 is configured to engage a roof joint 56 without engaging other clamps or fasteners.

To provide additional background, context, and to further satisfy the written description requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112, the following references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,718,718; 7,758,011; 8,844,234; 8,910,928; 9,611,652; 9,920,958; 10,077,562; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2018/0128295.

Ranges have been discussed and used within the forgoing description. One skilled in the art would understand that any sub-range within the stated range would be suitable, as would any number or value within the broad range, without deviating from the disclosure. Additionally, where the meaning of the term “about” as used herein would not otherwise be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the term “about” should be interpreted as meaning within plus or minus five percent of the stated value.

Throughout the present disclosure, various embodiments have been disclosed. Components described in connection with one embodiment are the same as or similar to like-numbered components described in connection with another embodiment.

Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. A clamp, comprising: a body having a first arm with a first width and a second arm with a second width, wherein the second width is greater than the first width;a slot extending into the body between a first inner surface of the first arm and a second inner surface of the second arm;a third arm extending from the second arm into the slot, wherein the first width is greater than a third width of the third arm;a channel extending into the second inner surface and into a third inner surface of the third arm to define a first protrusion on the second arm and a second protrusion on the third arm, wherein the first and second protrusions are configured to engage a roof joint; andan aperture extending along an axis through the first arm, wherein the axis intersects the channel such that a bar component extending through the aperture can contact a roof joint retained in the channel.

2. The clamp of claim 1, further comprising: a cavity extending through the second inner surface and into the second arm, wherein the cavity extends along the axis of the aperture.

3. The clamp of claim 2, wherein the cavity is positioned within the channel, and wherein the axis through the first arm extends in a horizontal direction.

4. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the aperture, and wherein the first arm has a first outer surface that is approximately parallel to a second outer surface of the second arm.

5. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the third arm extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the aperture.

6. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the channel extends into the second inner surface of the second arm in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the aperture.

7. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the slot and the channel extend through the body from a first end to a second end of the body, wherein the first end is approximately perpendicular to the second end, and wherein the body is of a one-piece construction and consists of only one aperture extending through the first arm.

8. A clamp, comprising: a body having a first arm and a second arm extending in a vertical direction;a slot extending into the body between a first inner surface of the first arm, a slot base, and a second inner surface of the second arm;a channel extending into the second inner surface, wherein the channel is offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance, and the channel defines a first protrusion on the second arm that is configured to engage a roof joint;an aperture extending through the first arm in a horizontal direction, wherein a second width of the second arm in the horizontal direction is greater than a first width of the first arm in the horizontal direction; anda cavity extending into the second inner surface, wherein the aperture and the cavity extend along a common axis that intersects the channel such that a bar component extending through the aperture can contact a roof joint retained in the channel.

9. The clamp of claim 8, further comprising: a third arm extending from the free end of the second arm into the slot, wherein the channel extends into a third inner surface of the third arm.

10. The clamp of claim 9, wherein the third arm has a third width in a vertical direction, and wherein the first width is greater than the third width.

11. The clamp of claim 9, wherein the channel defines a second protrusion on the third arm, and the first and second protrusions are configured to engage the roof joint.

12. The clamp of claim 9, wherein the channel extends into the second inner surface of the second arm by a distance that is greater than a distance that the channel extends into the third inner surface of the third arm.

13. The clamp of claim 8, wherein the slot and the channel extend through the body from a first end to a second end of the body, wherein the first and second ends are approximately perpendicular to a top portion of the body, wherein a first surface between the top portion and a first exterior surface of the first arm has a first radius of curvature, and wherein a second surface between the top portion and a second exterior surface of the second arm has a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature.

14. The clamp of claim 8, wherein the aperture is threaded and is approximately centered between a first end and a second end of the body, and wherein the cavity has a diameter that decreases as the cavity extends into the second arm.

15. A clamp to engage a roof joint, comprising: a body having a first arm and a second arm extending in a vertical direction;a slot extending into the body between a first inner surface of the first arm, a slot base, and a second inner surface of the second arm;a channel extending into the second inner surface, wherein the channel is offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance, and the channel defines a first protrusion on the second arm that is configured to engage the roof joint;a third arm extending from the free end of the second arm into the slot, wherein the channel extends into a third inner surface of the third arm; andan aperture extending through the first arm in a horizontal direction, wherein a second width of the second arm in the horizontal direction is greater than a first width of the first arm in the horizontal direction.

16. The clamp of claim 15, further comprising: a cavity extending through the second inner surface and into the second arm, wherein the aperture and the cavity extend along a common axis that intersects the channel such that a bar component extending through the aperture can contact the roof joint.

17. The clamp of claim 16, wherein the aperture is threaded and is approximately centered between a first end and a second end of the body, and wherein the cavity has a shape that is conical with a diameter that decreases as the cavity extends away from slot and into the second arm.

18. The clamp of claim 15, wherein the third arm has a third width in a vertical direction, and wherein the first width is greater than the third width.

19. The clamp of claim 15, wherein the channel defines a second protrusion on the third arm, and the first and second protrusions are configured to engage the roof joint.

20. The clamp of claim 15, wherein the channel extends into the second inner surface by a distance that is greater than a distance that the channel extends into the third inner surface.

21. The clamp of claim 15, wherein the slot and the channel extend through the body from a first end to a second end of the body, wherein the first and second ends are approximately perpendicular to a top portion of the body, wherein a first surface between the top portion and a first exterior surface of the first arm has a first radius of curvature, and wherein a second surface between the top portion and a second exterior surface of the second arm has a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature.